Intravenous Therapy

IV Therapy Training

Continuing Education Course Overview

Intravenous Therapy is a continuing education (CE) training course designed for current or recent healthcare professionals and students who want to develop or refresh the skills needed to safely and effectively administer intravenous therapy, including the management of central venous (CV) lines. The course introduces the core principles of IV therapy and focuses on real-world clinical best practices for venipuncture, catheter insertion, post-insertion care, and blood administration.

This is a hybrid program that combines online didactic instruction with on-campus hands-on lab training. Both components are required. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from AIMS Education.

Intravenous Therapy Course Content

The IV Therapy course provides a focused, practical foundation in both the theory and hands-on skills required for safe intravenous therapy. Students begin with an in-depth review of the anatomy and physiology of the vascular and circulatory systems, building the knowledge needed to understand blood flow, vessel structure, and the most common and appropriate sites for IV insertion. From there, the course explains the range of IV access devices used in clinical settings, covering both peripheral catheters and central venous lines, so participants can recognize, differentiate, and select devices appropriately within their professional role and workplace policy.

As the course progresses, learners explore the equipment and supplies essential to IV therapy, including needles, tubing, and solutions, while also studying the general principles of IV medication administration. Strong emphasis is placed on identifying potential complications, understanding why they occur, and applying prevention and safety strategies to protect patients. Central venous line concepts and care are included to ensure participants are familiar with CV line use, monitoring, and maintenance expectations in environments where these devices are part of routine care.

The training also prepares students for real clinical decision-making by addressing the legal and professional responsibilities tied to IV therapy, as well as recognizing and responding to medical emergencies related to IV administration. Special attention is given to administering IV therapy to high-risk patients, such as those receiving cancer treatment or chemotherapy, so participants understand the added precautions and monitoring such cases require. Finally, students receive detailed venipuncture instruction and guided practice, reinforcing correct technique and building confidence in IV catheter insertion through supervised lab experience on manikins and volunteers.

Course Length

The IV Therapy course is completed over two weeks. Classes meet two evenings per week, totaling 10 clock hours for the full course. Each week includes:

• 3 hours of online lecture
• 2 hours of on-campus lab

IV Therapy Course Format

This course is delivered in a hybrid format:

• Online Classes: The lecture portion is completed online and provides the foundational knowledge needed for safe IV therapy practice.
• On-Campus Lab Training: Students attend hands-on lab sessions at AIMS to practice venipuncture and catheter insertion techniques on manikins and supervised volunteers.

The online portion of this CE course is structured to be clear, practical, and clinically relevant. You will learn through guided instruction that emphasizes safety standards, device selection, procedural steps, complication prevention, and real-world applications. Online learning prepares you to confidently complete the on-campus lab sessions and apply best practices in your professional environment. Attendance is required for both online lecture and campus lab sessions.

Course Goals/Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of arteries, veins, and the vascular system
• Explain circulatory system function and identify common IV insertion sites
• Differentiate between IV devices, including peripheral catheters and central venous lines
• Identify IV therapy equipment and supplies and explain their proper use
• Perform venipuncture and IV catheter insertion
• Demonstrate appropriate post-insertion maintenance and monitoring practices
• Recognize common complications and respond appropriately, including emergency situations
• Apply safety, legal, and professional standards related to IV therapy administration

IV Therapy Certification Exam

There is no national certification exam for IV Therapy. This course provides skill-based training and a Certificate of Completion, but it does not lead to a national credential.